Telangana’s unseasonal heat due to El Nino; 37 degrees celsius forecast for Feb-end

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is currently grappling with warmer-than-usual conditions, and meteorologists attribute this anomaly to the effects of El Nino. For the first time in five years, Telangana is witnessing an early onset of summer due to rising temperatures and the absence of cold waves. The departure of winter, typically occurring by the third week of February in Hyderabad, commenced earlier this year.

No heatwave forecast yet

Despite the discomfort caused by higher-than-average temperatures since the beginning of February, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) assured that these fluctuations fall within the city’s 30-year averages.

A Prasad from IMD Hyderabad noted that slight deviations of 1-2 degrees Celsius are not considered abnormal, attributing the recent warmth to the strong El Nino effect and global warming.

“IMD has issued a warning that the upcoming summer may surpass the severity of the previous year, with the potential for a heatwave as early as March. However, no heatwave is forecasted for the next seven days,” said Prasad.

Telangana’s unusual transition

The state bids farewell to winter earlier than usual, experiencing temperatures 1-3 degrees Celsius above normal, indicating an early onset of summer with minimal spring. This atypical shift is marked by the absence of cold wave days, a departure from the norm.

A Sravani, a scientist at IMD, attributes Telangana’s early transition to warmer temperatures and the persistent El Nino effect.

“Maximum temperatures could reach 37 degrees Celsius by the end of February, with departures from normal temperatures expected to be 1-2 degrees Celsius,” Sravani warned.

Hyderabad’s current weather

As of now, the maximum recorded temperature in Hyderabad has reached 36.2 degrees Celsius, a notable five degrees higher than average. The minimum temperature stands at 22.2 degrees Celsius. The weather department forecasts a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius in the next week.

Health concerns and precautions

As the heatwave grips Hyderabad, health officials and experts expressed concerns about potential health risks. Dr Vasudha Rao from Apollo Health Care emphasised the need for public awareness and preventive measures to mitigate the risks of water-borne ailments and Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI).

- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

- Avoid direct sun: Seek shade to reduce heat exposure, especially during peak hours.

- Cooling measures: Use fans, air conditioning, or cool baths to regulate body temperature.

- Protective clothing: Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool.

- Limit outdoor activities: Minimise strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Dr Mohammed Vaseem emphasized the vulnerability of individuals with pre-existing conditions during high temperatures. “It is important to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, especially for seniors, diabetics, and those with kidney and heart issues,” he stressed.

“As Hyderabad faces an unexpected surge in temperatures, adherence to precautions and heightened public awareness becomes paramount. The convergence of early summer, water-borne illness concerns, and the potential for heat-related illnesses necessitate a proactive approach to ensure the community's well-being during the forthcoming months,” said Dr Vaseem.